The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics match player stats tell the story of an electrifying Eastern Conference clash that lived up to its billing as a battle between the NBA’s elite. On December 1, 2024, the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland became the stage for a thrilling encounter between two teams boasting the best records in the league. The matchup featured intense competition, dramatic momentum shifts, and individual brilliance that kept 19,432 fans on the edge of their seats throughout all 48 minutes of basketball action.
The boston celtics vs cleveland cavaliers match player stats reveal a game defined by fourth-quarter heroics and defensive adjustments. With Boston entering on a seven-game winning streak and Cleveland seeking redemption after consecutive losses to Atlanta, the stakes were enormous. The absence of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White for the Celtics added intrigue, while the Cavaliers looked to avenge their earlier season loss to the defending champions. Both teams entered as co-leaders with 16-4 and 17-3 records respectively, making this regular-season clash feel like a playoff preview.
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đď¸ Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field
Teams and Key Players
| Team | Key Players | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday | Tatum (33 pts), Pritchard (24 pts), Porzingis (21 pts) |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Georges Niang, Caris LeVert | Mitchell (35 pts), Garland (22 pts), Niang (13 pts), LeVert (13 pts) |
Game Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | NBA Regular Season Game |
| Location | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio |
| Date & Time | Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM EST |
| TV Coverage | NBA TV |
| Attendance | 19,432 |
| Officials | Derrick Collins, Ed Malloy, Jacyn Goble |
| Significance | Matchup between Eastern Conference top two teams |
| Final Score | Cleveland Cavaliers 115, Boston Celtics 111 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Quarter | Boston Celtics | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 24 | 28 |
| Quarter 2 | 25 | 23 |
| Quarter 3 | 35 | 21 |
| Quarter 4 | 27 | 43 |
| FINAL | 111 | 115 |
Additional Breakdown Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Moments | Mitchell’s 20-point fourth quarter, 12-point Celtics lead erased, Pritchard’s intentional missed free throw violation |
| Momentum Shifts | Celtics dominated Q3 (35-21), Cavaliers exploded in Q4 (43-27) |
| Injuries/Absences | Celtics: Jaylen Brown (out), Derrick White (out), Dean Wade (Cavaliers – out) |
| Notable Strategies | Cavs double-teamed Tatum late, Celtics attacked Garland defensively, intentional fouling strategy in final seconds |
| Extra Insights | Crowd erupted during Mitchell’s fourth-quarter explosion, game time: 2 hours 16 minutes |
What Was the Event?
This was a highly anticipated NBA regular season contest between the league’s two best teams at that point in the 2024-25 season. The cleveland cavaliers vs boston celtics match player stats would prove crucial in the Eastern Conference standings race.
Where Was the Match Held?
The game took place at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (also known as Rocket Arena) in Cleveland, Ohio, the home court of the Cavaliers where they boasted an impressive 11-1 record entering the game.
When Did It Take Place?
The matchup occurred on Sunday evening, December 1, 2024, with tip-off at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, broadcast nationally on NBA TV.
Why Was the Match Significant?
This game carried enormous significance as a clash between the Eastern Conference’s top two teams. Boston, the defending NBA champions, entered with a seven-game winning streak, while Cleveland sought to avoid a three-game losing skid and gain revenge for their earlier season loss to the Celtics on November 19, when Boston ended their perfect 15-0 start.
How Did It Unfold Generally?
The game featured dramatic momentum swings across all four quarters. Cleveland started strong with a 28-24 first quarter lead, but Boston battled back to take control in the third quarter with a dominant 35-21 performance that gave them a 12-point cushion. However, Donovan Mitchell orchestrated a spectacular fourth-quarter comeback, scoring 20 of his game-high 35 points in the final frame to secure the Cavaliers’ 115-111 victory.
đ Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Quarter 1: Cleveland’s Fast Start
Key Moments: The Cavaliers burst out of the gates with a commanding 9-0 run before the Celtics found their rhythm. Darius Garland led Cleveland’s early attack with six points, while both Donovan Mitchell and Georges Niang contributed five points each. For Boston, Kristaps Porzingis dropped nine points and Jayson Tatum added seven as they fought back from the early deficit.
Shifts in Momentum: After Cleveland’s hot start, Boston gradually clawed back into the game. The Celtics briefly took a 22-21 lead at the 3:42 mark of the quarter before Cleveland regained control.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams operated without key rotation players, with the Celtics notably missing Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.
Notable Strategies: The Cavaliers attacked the paint aggressively early, while Boston relied on their veteran poise to weather the storm. Cleveland’s ball movement created open looks from three-point range.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:
| Team | Quarter 1 Score |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 28 |
| Boston Celtics | 24 |
Extra Insights: The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse crowd was electric from the opening tip, sensing their team’s urgency after back-to-back losses. The tempo was fast-paced with both teams pushing in transition.
Quarter 2: Boston Battles Back
Key Moments: The Celtics mounted a strong response in the second quarter, outscoring Cleveland 25-23. Boston briefly grabbed a 45-44 lead at the 3:28 mark, showcasing their championship mettle. The offensive flow improved significantly for the visitors.
Shifts in Momentum: Despite the Cavaliers’ early takeoff in the quarter, Boston’s defensive intensity increased. The Celtics were more effective in transition and found better shot selection.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Payton Pritchard began making his presence felt off the bench, providing crucial scoring punch for the shorthanded Celtics.
Notable Strategies: Boston targeted defensive mismatches and increased their defensive pressure. Cleveland continued to rely on Garland’s playmaking and Mitchell’s scoring ability.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:
| Team | Quarter 2 Score | Halftime Total |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 23 | 51 |
| Boston Celtics | 25 | 49 |
Extra Insights: The second quarter featured more physicality as both teams adjusted to the officials’ calls. The two-point halftime deficit kept Boston within striking distance despite missing two starters.
Quarter 3: Celtics Dominate
Key Moments: The third quarter belonged entirely to Boston, who erupted for 35 points while holding Cleveland to just 21. The Celtics took a 52-51 lead at the 11:52 mark and never looked back in the period. Tatum orchestrated the offense brilliantly, and the defense suffocated Cleveland’s previously potent attack.
Shifts in Momentum: This was the game’s most significant momentum swing. Boston’s 14-point advantage in the quarter gave them an 84-72 lead entering the final frame. Coach Joe Mazzulla successfully challenged an offensive foul call on Pritchard midway through the quarter, maintaining possession and momentum.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Cleveland struggled to find effective rotations as their bench couldn’t stem the tide of Boston’s offensive onslaught.
Notable Strategies: The Celtics shot over 47% from three-point range in the period, spreading the floor and attacking Cleveland’s defense from multiple angles. Boston’s ball movement was exceptional, leading to high-quality looks.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:
| Team | Quarter 3 Score | Three-Quarter Total |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 21 | 72 |
| Boston Celtics | 35 | 84 |
Extra Insights: The Cleveland crowd grew noticeably quieter as Boston extended their lead. Mitchell appeared frustrated, having scored just 15 points through three quarters on poor shooting efficiency.
Quarter 4: Mitchell’s Takeover
Key Moments: Donovan Mitchell delivered one of the season’s most spectacular individual quarters, scoring 20 points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting, including four three-pointers. Boston led 93-81 with 4:10 remaining before Mitchell ignited Cleveland’s furious comeback. The Cavaliers tied the game 101-101 with 1:40 left, then took a 103-101 lead at 1:07 after another Mitchell three-pointer.
Shifts in Momentum: Cleveland’s 34-point quarter demolished Boston’s 12-point advantage. The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse erupted with every Mitchell basket. The final minutes featured strategic fouling by Cleveland when ahead, disrupting Boston’s rhythm.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Sam Hauser fouled out for Boston with 14.9 seconds remaining, limiting the Celtics’ spacing in crucial possessions.
Notable Strategies: The Cavaliers employed aggressive double-teams on Tatum in pick-and-rolls when Garland was defending him, forcing the ball out of Boston’s best scorer’s hands. Cleveland also utilized intentional fouls up three points to prevent Boston from attempting three-point shots. The Celtics tried to generate a miracle finish, with Pritchard attempting an intentional free throw miss, but he was called for a lane violation.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:
| Team | Quarter 4 Score | Final Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 43 | 115 |
| Boston Celtics | 27 | 111 |
Extra Insights: Mitchell’s fourth-quarter explosion ranks among the greatest individual quarters of the 2024-25 season. The energy in the building was palpable as Cleveland’s faithful sensed victory. However, the final minute’s intentional fouling strategy, while effective, slowed the game’s pace considerably after Mitchell’s electrifying performance.
đ Highlight Standout Performances
Star Players and Their Stats
| Player | Team | MIN | PTS | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | CLE | 35 | 35 | 12-21 | 6-11 | 5-8 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Jayson Tatum | BOS | 38 | 33 | 12-27 | 4-9 | 5-5 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Payton Pritchard | BOS | 36 | 24 | 7-16 | 3-10 | 7-8 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Darius Garland | CLE | 32 | 22 | 5-12 | 4-6 | 8-8 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kristaps Porzingis | BOS | 32 | 21 | 7-17 | 3-7 | 4-4 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Georges Niang | CLE | 22 | 13 | 4-6 | 3-3 | 2-2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Caris LeVert | CLE | 23 | 13 | 6-11 | 1-4 | 0-0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Al Horford | BOS | 36 | 13 | 5-8 | 3-6 | 0-0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Shooting Percentages
| Team | Field Goal % | Three-Point % | Free Throw % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 48.8% (39-80) | 47.2% (17-36) | 80.0% (20-25) |
| Boston Celtics | 40.0% (38-95) | 34.7% (17-49) | 94.7% (18-19) |
Assists, Steals, Blocks
| Category | Cleveland Cavaliers | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assists | 22 | 17 |
| Total Steals | 5 | 11 |
| Total Blocks | 7 | 6 |
Clutch Moments
Donovan Mitchell’s Fourth-Quarter Perfection: Mitchell’s 20-point fourth quarter on 6-for-6 shooting, including four three-pointers, represents one of the most clutch performances of the season. After struggling through three quarters with just 15 points, Mitchell erupted when his team needed him most, single-handedly erasing a 12-point deficit.
Jayson Tatum’s Consistent Excellence: Despite the loss, Tatum delivered another stellar performance with 33 points, repeatedly attacking Darius Garland on defense and hitting tough mid-range jumpers throughout the game.
Payton Pritchard’s Sixth Man Heroics: With Brown and White out, Pritchard stepped up magnificently with 24 points off the bench, keeping Boston competitive throughout and nearly forcing overtime.
Darius Garland’s Efficient Floor Game: Garland’s perfect 8-for-8 free throw shooting and eight assists showcased his point guard mastery, setting up teammates while maintaining scoring efficiency with 22 points.
Leadership and Teamwork
The cleveland cavaliers vs boston celtics match player stats highlight the leadership displayed by both teams’ veteran cores. For Cleveland, Mitchell’s vocal encouragement during timeouts energized his teammates during the comeback. Darius Garland’s unselfish playmaking (8 assists, 0 turnovers) exemplified floor leadership.
Boston’s Jayson Tatum carried an enormous offensive burden without Brown and White, never showing frustration despite Cleveland’s defensive traps. Al Horford’s veteran presence anchored Boston’s defense while contributing 13 points and crucial three-point shooting. The teamwork was evident in Cleveland’s 22 assists compared to Boston’s 17, showcasing the Cavaliers’ superior ball movement.
đ Key Statistics
Final Score
| Team | Final Score |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 115 |
| Boston Celtics | 111 |
Total Points and Rebounds
| Category | Cleveland Cavaliers | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 115 | 111 |
| Total Rebounds | 44 | 46 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 6 | 10 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 38 | 36 |
Turnovers
| Team | Turnovers |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 17 |
| Boston Celtics | 8 |
Time of Possession
Based on the game’s pace and Cleveland’s aggressive fourth-quarter comeback, the Cavaliers controlled tempo for approximately 26 minutes while Boston held possession advantages for roughly 22 minutes, particularly during their dominant third quarter.
Steals, Blocks, and Defensive Stats
| Category | Cleveland Cavaliers | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Steals | 5 | 11 |
| Blocks | 7 | 6 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 38 | 36 |
| Personal Fouls | 20 | 19 |
Total Production Comparison
| Category | Cleveland Cavaliers | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Points in Paint | 52 | 42 |
| Fast Break Points | 18 | 14 |
| Bench Points | 32 | 32 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 10 | 19 |
đŁď¸ Quotes and Reactions
Player Quotes
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers – 35 points):
- “We knew we had to respond tonight. That third quarter wasn’t us, but we stayed together and found a way. When you’re playing the defending champs, you have to bring your A-game for all 48 minutes.”
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics – 33 points):
- “We played well enough to win. Credit to Cleveland, they made shots when it mattered. Donovan was incredible in that fourth quarterâthat’s what great players do.”
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers – 22 points, 8 assists):
- “Spida (Mitchell) took over and we all just tried to get him the ball and get out of his way. That’s what he doesâhe’s built for those moments.”
Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics – 24 points):
- “Without JB (Jaylen Brown) and Derrick (White), we all knew we had to step up. We gave ourselves a chance, but they made one more play than us down the stretch.”
Coach Quotes
Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics Head Coach):
- “I thought we did a great job getting good looks down the stretch. We had paint pull-ups, we had kick-out threes. Any time Al gets nine, ten threes, it means we’re sharing the ball and the guys are spaced. They just made more shots in the fourth quarter.”
Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach):
- “Donovan showed why he’s an All-Star tonight. When the game was on the line, he took over. But this was a team winâDarius, the bench guys, everyone contributed.”
Key Reaction Summary Table
| Category | Quote/Reaction | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell’s Performance | “That’s one of the most incredible shot-making games I’ve seen in the league” | Kenny Atkinson (from previous game commentary) |
| Defensive Strategy | “We really have to get out on their shooters, try to limit Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as much as we can” | Darius Garland (discussing Celtics strategy) |
| Pritchard’s Role | “The key to him is he finds different ways to impact games. He’s grown as a player” | Joe Mazzulla on Payton Pritchard |
| Tatum’s Respect | “Me and P, the same high school class, so I’ve been seeing that fearless competitive nature” | Jayson Tatum on Payton Pritchard |
| Team Response | “They stayed together, kept fighting, and made the plays when it mattered most” | Analyst commentary on Cavaliers’ comeback |
đ§ Match Analysis
What Went Right & Wrong
Cleveland Cavaliers – What Went Right:
- Mitchell’s spectacular fourth-quarter explosion (20 points on perfect shooting)
- Superior shooting efficiency overall (48.8% FG vs 40.0%)
- Exceptional three-point shooting (47.2% vs 34.7%)
- Strong bench contributions from Niang (13 pts) and LeVert (13 pts)
- Effective ball movement leading to 22 assists
- Garland’s flawless free throw shooting (8-8) and zero turnovers
- Defensive adjustments forcing 11 Boston turnovers including strategic double-teams
Cleveland Cavaliers – What Went Wrong:
- Disastrous third quarter allowing 35 points while scoring only 21
- 17 turnovers compared to Boston’s 8
- Defensive lapses allowing Tatum to score efficiently
- Garland’s defensive struggles against Boston’s aggressive targeting
- Slow start from Mitchell through three quarters (2-8 shooting in first half)
Boston Celtics – What Went Right:
- Tatum’s consistent excellence with 33 points on strong all-around play
- Pritchard’s exceptional 24-point bench performance
- Dominant third quarter (35-21) creating 12-point lead
- Near-perfect free throw shooting (94.7%)
- 11 steals demonstrating defensive intensity
- Porzingis contributing 21 points despite tough matchups
- Superior rebounding (46-44) including 10 offensive boards
Boston Celtics – What Went Wrong:
- Catastrophic fourth-quarter collapse allowing 43 points
- Poor shooting efficiency (40.0% FG, 34.7% from three)
- Inability to maintain third-quarter momentum
- Defensive breakdowns allowing Mitchell’s perfect fourth quarter
- Failed to capitalize on Cleveland’s 17 turnovers sufficiently
- Sam Hauser’s foul-out reduced spacing in crucial final minutes
- Missing Brown and White exposed depth limitations in closing situations
Offensive/Defensive Successes or Failures
| Analysis Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Offensive Success | 47.2% three-point shooting, Mitchell’s clutch scoring, Garland’s playmaking (8 assists), effective pick-and-roll execution |
| Cleveland Offensive Failure | Third-quarter scoring drought (21 points), 17 turnovers disrupted rhythm, inconsistent first-half shot selection |
| Cleveland Defensive Success | Holding Boston to 40% shooting, strategic double-teams on Tatum, forcing 11 steals, protecting the paint (7 blocks) |
| Cleveland Defensive Failure | Celtics’ 35-point third quarter, inability to contain Tatum consistently, Garland’s defensive vulnerabilities exploited |
| Boston Offensive Success | Tatum and Pritchard combined for 57 points, ball movement in third quarter, effective free throw shooting (94.7%) |
| Boston Offensive Failure | Just 40% field goal percentage, 34.7% from three, only 27 fourth-quarter points, failed to capitalize on turnovers |
| Boston Defensive Success | 11 steals, forcing 17 turnovers, solid rim protection (6 blocks), effective third-quarter intensity |
| Boston Defensive Failure | Allowing 115 points, Mitchell’s 20-point fourth quarter, giving up 48.8% shooting, 43-point fourth quarter allowed |
Controversial Calls or Game-Changing Moments
Joe Mazzulla’s Successful Challenge: Midway through the third quarter, Mazzulla challenged an offensive foul call on Payton Pritchard. Against expectations, the officials overturned the call, maintaining Boston’s possession and momentum during their dominant period. This kept their offensive rhythm intact.
The Intentional Fouling Strategy: With Cleveland ahead in the final seconds, the Cavaliers employed intentional fouls on Boston’s ball handlers to prevent three-point attempts. While strategically sound (with Garland and Mitchell both high-percentage free throw shooters), this tactic slowed the game considerably and diminished the excitement following Mitchell’s spectacular quarter.
Pritchard’s Lane Violation: Trailing 113-110 with five seconds left, Pritchard intentionally missed his second free throw hoping for a long rebound that could set up a game-tying three-pointer. However, officials called him for stepping into the lane too early, giving possession back to Cleveland and effectively ending Boston’s comeback hopes.
Defensive Targeting: The Celtics specifically targeted Darius Garland defensively throughout the game, with Tatum repeatedly posting him up and driving past him. While effective for most of the game, Cleveland’s adjustment to double-team Tatum when matched against Garland proved crucial in the fourth quarter.
Recent Form Analysis Table
| Team | Recent Form | Season Record | Notable Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Lost 2 straight before this game (to Atlanta) | 18-3 after win | Started season 15-0 before first loss to Boston on Nov 19; bounce-back win shows championship resilience |
| Boston Celtics | 7-game win streak ended | 16-4 after loss | Defending NBA champions maintaining elite play despite injuries; second-best record in loss column |
Cavaliers’ Season Context: Cleveland entered having allowed 135 points to Atlanta earlier in the weekâtheir highest total of the season. This defensive response against the defending champs demonstrated their ability to make adjustments. The win improved their home record to 11-1, maintaining the league’s best overall winning percentage at .857.
Celtics’ Season Context: Boston came in averaging 121.2 points per game (second in NBA) and had scored 138 points against Chicago just two days earlier. The offensive struggles (111 points on 40% shooting) represented an uncharacteristic performance, particularly without Brown and White. However, remaining competitive while shorthanded reinforced their championship pedigree.
Head-to-Head Context: This was the second meeting between these teams in the 2024-25 season, with Boston winning the first matchup 120-117 on November 19, ending Cleveland’s perfect 15-0 start. The rivalry split at 1-1 set up anticipation for future meetings. These two teams would meet twice more in the regular season (February 4 and February 28) with playoff implications looming.
đ Conclusion
The cleveland cavaliers vs boston celtics match player stats from December 1, 2024, tell the story of a game that embodied everything great about NBA basketball. In a matchup between the Eastern Conference’s two best teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers emerged victorious 115-111 behind Donovan Mitchell’s transcendent 35-point performance, including 20 fourth-quarter points on perfect shooting. This victory held significant importance for multiple reasonsâit served as redemption for Cleveland after their 15-0 start was ended by these same Celtics just 12 days earlier, it snapped Boston’s seven-game winning streak, and it demonstrated the Cavaliers’ championship mettle by overcoming both a 12-point deficit and a disastrous third quarter.
The impact on standings was immediate, with Cleveland improving to 18-3 and maintaining the NBA’s best winning percentage, while Boston fell to 16-4 but remained tied for the best record in the loss column. The boston celtics vs cleveland cavaliers match player stats revealed that this wasn’t just about Mitchell’s heroicsâit was about Darius Garland’s efficient 22 points and eight assists with zero turnovers, the bench contributions from Georges Niang and Caris LeVert (13 points each), and Cleveland’s superior shooting efficiency (48.8% FG, 47.2% 3PT). For Boston, Jayson Tatum’s 33 points and Payton Pritchard’s 24-point performance off the bench showcased their depth and resilience despite missing two starters.
Looking ahead, both teams’ championship aspirations remain firmly intact. Cleveland will look to build on this momentum and prove their early-season success wasn’t a fluke, while Bostonâthe defending championsâwill welcome back Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to return to full strength. With two more regular-season meetings scheduled and a potential playoff series looming, this game served as a preview of what could be an epic Eastern Conference Finals matchup. The Cavaliers demonstrated they belong in championship conversations, while the Celtics showed that even shorthanded, they remain dangerous.
The lasting image from this thrilling encounter is Mitchell standing at center court, arms raised as the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse erupted following his magnificent fourth-quarter takeover. In a season full of memorable performances, this gameâand these cleveland cavaliers vs boston celtics match player statsâwill be remembered as a defining moment in the Eastern Conference race.
â FAQs Section
Q1: What was the final score of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics game on December 1, 2024?
A: The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 115-111 in an exciting Eastern Conference showdown at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cleveland erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure the victory.
Q2: Who was the top scorer in the Cavaliers vs Celtics matchup?
A: Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points for Cleveland, including a spectacular 20 points in the fourth quarter on perfect 6-for-6 shooting. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 33 points in the loss.
Q3: What made Donovan Mitchell’s performance so special in this game?
A: Mitchell scored 20 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter on perfect shooting (6-6 FG, 4-4 3PT), orchestrating one of the season’s most impressive individual quarters. After struggling through three quarters with just 15 points, he single-handedly erased a 12-point deficit to secure the win.
Q4: How did the quarter-by-quarter scoring unfold?
A: Cleveland won the first quarter 28-24, Boston took the second 25-23, the Celtics dominated the third quarter 35-21, but Cleveland exploded in the fourth quarter 43-27 to complete the comeback. The third and fourth quarters featured dramatic momentum swings.
Q5: Which key players were missing from the game?
A: The Boston Celtics played without Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, two crucial starters. Despite this disadvantage, Boston remained competitive throughout, with Payton Pritchard stepping up with 24 points off the bench to help compensate for the absences.
Q6: What were the key statistical differences between the two teams?
A: Cleveland shot significantly better from the field (48.8% vs 40.0%) and from three-point range (47.2% vs 34.7%). The Cavaliers also had more assists (22 vs 17), while Boston forced more turnovers (Cleveland 17, Boston 8) and grabbed more rebounds (46 vs 44). Cleveland’s superior shooting efficiency proved to be the decisive factor.
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